M’sian Woman Charged RM15,000 for One-Night Hospital Stay in Japan

“Desperate, I was taken to a hospital, where doctors diagnosed me with pneumonia and Influenza A, advising a week-long hospitalization,” she wrote.¹

A Malaysian woman was shocked when she was charged RM15,000 for a one-night stay at a hospital in Japan.

Her family trip began on January 5, 2025, filled with excitement to experience Japan’s winter snow. But by the second day, she started feeling unwell. Wanting not to ruin the trip, she tried to push through, until her condition worsened.

By January 8, she could barely breathe, speak, or walk. Desperate, she was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with pneumonia and Influenza A and advised a week-long hospitalisation. She refused to stay, determined to return home, but even that one night of medical care cost her RM15,000. Upon landing back in Malaysia, she was admitted straight into ICU when doctors found her oxygen levels dangerously low.

Stories like this show just how steep medical bills abroad can be and why travel insurance is important.

Travel Insurance? Nah… What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Many travellers still treat insurance as optional. But when the unexpected happens, like accidents, flight delays, or lost baggage, it’s often the one thing that protects you from financial stress.

A good travel insurance plan typically covers:

• Medical and hospital expenses overseas

• Trip cancellations or delays

• Lost or delayed luggage

• Emergency evacuation and repatriation

• Personal accident coverage

Some even include Covid-19 protection or adventure activity coverage, depending on the plan.

It’s not just about money, it’s about peace of mind knowing help is available when things go wrong far from home.

What most travellers overlook

Not all policies offer the same protection. Before you buy, take note of these important details:

• Pre-existing medical conditions are usually not covered unless declared and accepted.

• Outdoor or adventure activities like hiking, diving, or skiing may need an add-on.

• Coverage limits differ: always check how much your policy pays for medical treatment or lost baggage.

• Claims process matters: understand what documents you’ll need and how to reach emergency assistance.

• Destination & duration can affect your coverage. Some regions or longer trips may require higher protection.

• Shariah-compliant options are available for travellers who prefer them.

A few extra minutes reviewing these details can make all the difference when something goes wrong.

How to choose and buy the right travel insurance

Buying travel insurance today is simple, you can compare and purchase online within minutes.

When choosing a plan:

• Decide between single-trip or annual coverage based on your travel frequency.

• Check that emergency evacuation and repatriation are included.

• Read the exclusions carefully, don’t assume every scenario is covered.

The cheapest plan isn’t always the best; sometimes it’s what’s missing that costs the most.

What we believe at Sedunia Travel

At Sedunia Travel, even when our own team travels for work or company trips, we make sure everyone is insured. Because whether it’s business or leisure, travel always carries risk and safety should never be compromised.

We believe in being prepared.

Better safe than sorry.

¹ Source: WeirdKaya, “M’sian Woman Rushes Back Home After Failing To Get Properly Treated For Influenza in Japan,” February 5, 2025